In 2018, UTS was commissioned by the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry & Environment to undertake a comprehensive economic appraisal of strategic conservation planning in Western Sydney.
Strategic conservation planning (SCP) is an approach to assessing and conserving native plants and animals early in the planning process for large-scale urban development, to ensure they are protected. It enables decision-makers to identify and protect the most important areas for plants and animals while also identifying areas suitable for development for housing and infrastructure for local communities.
The aim of the appraisal was to know whether two SCP options put forward in a draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan would bring 'net positive outcomes' (that is, the activity puts back more into society, the environment and the global economy than it takes out).
ISF researchers performed a social cost-benefit analysis, an evaluation of qualitative benefits, and a financial analysis of the two SCP options. These analyses were designed and implemented to comply with the NSW Guidelines.
ISF also developed a quantitative model to assist the government's future decision-making and support the Department's business case for the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan. This model estimates the benefit-to-cost ratios and net social benefits of funding a range of proposed conservation measures to offset future development. The time frame of analysis was 37 years (2020-2056).
The outputs of this program of work are being utilised by an expanding number of decision-makers in the NSW planning system.
Researcher contact
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Adjunct Professor -
Senior Research Consultant
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Senior Research Consultant
Years
- 2018-2021
Location
- Greater Metropolitan Sydney
Client
- NSW Department of Planning Industry & Environment
Partners
- UTS:DAB
- University of Western Sydney
